Sproat & Brimm

In the matter of *Sproat & Brimm*, heard before Judge Scarlett, the dispute concerned parenting orders for three children. The applicant father sought orders for sole parental responsibility and for the children to live with him, while the respondent mother sought specific time arrangements with the children.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the children in relation to their living arrangements, parental responsibility for major long-term decisions, and the specific time each parent would spend with the children. This included considerations regarding the children's schooling, extracurricular activities, communication with parents, and travel arrangements.

The court ordered that all earlier parenting orders be discharged. The father was granted sole parental responsibility for all major long-term decisions concerning the children's care, welfare, and development, with the proviso that he consult the mother regarding their high school education. The children were ordered to live with the father, and detailed provisions were made for the mother's time with the children, including alternate weekends, mid-week time, specific holidays, birthdays, and school holiday periods. The orders also included provisions for communication between parents and children, notification of significant events, and restrictions on parental conduct, such as denigrating the other parent or administering illicit drugs when the children are in their care. The court also made orders regarding the children's passports, travel, and the appointment of the Registrar to execute documents if a party fails to do so.